STRENGTHS: Tim Duncan established himself as arguably the best player in the league last season, although the MVP award went to Karl Malone. The big man tandem of Duncan and David Robinson will be no less unstoppable this season, and the acquisitions of Walker and Brown should make up adequately for the loss of Elliott.

WEAKNESSES: The backcourt of Avery Johnson and Mario Elie/Jaren Jackson remains a cut below the better guard tandems in the West, and the outside shooting has not improved.

THE BUZZ: Spurs present insurmountable matchup problems to every team in the league. We could be seeing the final run at a title by this Spurs group, as free agency could send players elsewhere following this season.